Our meeting of 24th June was the last of this ‘Rotary Year’ and marked the end of president Ian McBain’s two years in office. Club members welcomed incoming president Ian Brunton with best wishes for his own time in office.

Ian Brunton, who is a local farmer, hopes to expand and develop the club in his time as president. The Club will continue to work internationally as part of the world wide family of Rotary, but especially within the East Neuk community, to help in supporting local charities and assisting where there is a need.

In his valedictory comments Ian McBain spoke of the many achievements of the club over the last two years and recalled the difficult times of covid. He was particularly proud of the work the club continues to do with young people, with programmes for both primary and secondary schools. 

The picture shows Ian Brunton (on left) receiving the chain of office.

A warm vote of thanks was proposed to both Ian and Jenni McBain.

The main business topic discussed at our meeting of 10th June was August being the likely time for the golf competition! With this important matter agreed, our speaker Fiona, East of Scotland community fundraising coordinator for CHAS, took the floor.

Our club regularly donates to the work of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and Fiona gave an excellent talk to bring everyone up to date on changes and developments. We had perhaps forgotten that Covid resulted in Rachel and Robin houses having to be closed because of the dangers of infection to seriously ill and vulnerable children. We did not know that this resulted in the start of ‘care at home’ - something that has not only continued, but has been grown into a popular and much in demand service. Last year 1856 home visits were made with the team growing from 14 to 38 people. 

We heard too of close contacts with NHS hospitals, work with specialist consultants, links with Diana nurses and the development of bereavement support teams - support that continues as long as it is needed.

On the business side Fiona explained that running costs were around £22M pa, with governmental support of £7M pa and the rest from charitable giving. CHAS has around 800 volunteers, 4 retail shops and income of £100,000 from eBay sales.

A very interesting and moving talk and following questions Ian McBain proposed an appreciative vote of thanks.

Much more at the CHAS website https://www.chas.org.uk/

The 27th May was the Club assembly - the meeting when future plans are discussed. Incoming president Ian Brunton took the chair and summarised his hopes for the next two years.

This included well-established events like the coastal path charity walk and Christmas post, along with RYLA and school debates. Ian also spoke of the opportunities he saw for developing new events and activities. We heard of his intention to establish a small group to think through all that we do -  and explore what can be refreshed and developed.  

Office holders and those who will manage our various activities were named and thanked for their continuing work and support of the club. 

Following this we heard from follow Rotarian and  District colleague Bill, who updated us on activities going on at District level and on initiatives being developed. Bill spoke of the importance of engagement with local communities, development of new and interesting projects and of understanding what it is that our communities need and expect. Throughout he was at pains to emphasise the importance of innovation, new ideas and initiative. 

Following questions Bill was thanked by president Ian McBain for his company in being with us and for his thoughts and ideas. 

The club meeting of 13th May included reports from the club treasurer, the youth activities convenor and president. We heard of the Rotary Primary School Quiz and the heat recently held at Bell Baxter High School. We were sorry to hear that our local champions at Anstruther school did not emerge victorious - but every congratulation to them for all they have achieved.

The report from the president was serious in that it covered information about copyright matters and the care that is needed when photographs, images or other materials are used by clubs. Particularly mentioned were the use of social media and websites. This prompted considerable discussion and led to consideration of safeguarding responsibilities too.

Following a meal the speaker for the evening, club member Roderick Skinner entertained with a quiz. This proved to be an interesting yet demanding series of questions about Fife. A challenge for those not from Fife! But a learning opportunity too.

A vote of thanks was proposed by George Hunter. 

At the club meeting of Monday 29th April we heard that the Rotary Primary School Quiz final will be held at Bell Baxter High school, Cupar on Friday 3rd May - best wishes to all the competing teams and of course to the one from Anstruther.

Following a meal our speaker was club member Steve Blaney who brought along holiday videos - and we had a choice of destination! The decision was made to see the tour of Holland and Germany and this proved to be a colourful and interesting trip through popular areas from the port of Ijmuiden to Koblenz, Moselle, Mainz and Rüdesheim am Rhein

We were treated to much picturesque scenery with characterful castles, broad rivers, medieval towns and enticing vineyards. After such a long and wet winter it certainly cheered everyone up and even started thoughts of the next holiday.

Following questions an appreciative vote of thanks was proposed by Colin Campbell